CNTE Ends Mexico City Protest Camp, Vows Continued Struggle

The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) has withdrawn its national protest camp from Mexico City, signaling an end to the physical occupation but vowing to persist in its organizational and mobilization efforts.

Isael González Vázquez, general secretary of Section 7 in Chiapas, acknowledged that the union did not succeed in its primary objectives: the repeal of the ISSSTE Law and the education reform. "Let's be very clear: the repeal of the two reforms was not achieved. The desire was for them to be repealed, but we must improve our position of strength," González Vázquez stated in a message to the teachers who participated in the protest.

CNTE leaders criticized the federal government, accusing it of supporting businesses rather than education workers. "It is regrettable that a government that calls itself left-wing decides to support businessmen and not education workers. All we ask for is dignified retirement and labor justice; we are not asking for privileges," González Vázquez declared.

The union also rejected claims linking the movement to political parties, emphasizing its autonomy. "The people are a genuine, pure, natural movement; it is not contaminated and has no relation to any political party. CNTE maintains its political independence," he affirmed.

During the protest, CNTE reported instances of intimidation, with contingents being followed by police and security units. Despite these actions, the union maintained a responsible approach to avoid confrontation. The CNTE is continuing negotiations with federal and state authorities regarding issues such as promotions and transfers.

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La gente es un movimiento genuino, puro, natural; no está contaminado y no tiene relación con ningún partido político. La CNTE mantiene su independencia política.